CertainTeed High Performance Starter: Uses, Installation, and Benefits
CertainTeed High Performance Starter shingles are made to form the first course at the edges of an asphalt-shingle roof. Though they are often hidden beneath the finished roof, starter shingles help create a consistent edge and provide an adhesive surface that can help secure the first shingle course. Understanding where they go, how they are installed, and what to verify before buying can help homeowners compare roofing estimates and discuss the details with a qualified contractor.
What Is CertainTeed High Performance Starter?
CertainTeed High Performance Starter is a roofing accessory used along the eaves and, when specified, the rake edges of a roof. It is installed before the field shingles—the main shingles covering the roof surface. The starter course creates a base at the perimeter and positions an adhesive strip where the first course can bond.
Starter shingles are not the same as ordinary shingles cut into narrow strips, nor are they the same as the roof’s underlayment or drip edge. Each component has a separate job. Underlayment covers the roof deck beneath the shingles, drip edge directs water away from the deck at roof edges, and starter shingles support the shingle courses installed above them.
The product is part of CertainTeed’s roofing system lineup. Exact product specifications, approved uses, packaging, and installation requirements can vary by product version and market. Roofers and buyers should consult the current CertainTeed product literature and installation instructions rather than relying on a retailer listing alone.
Why Starter Shingles Matter
The first shingle course is especially important because it begins at the roof perimeter, where wind can get beneath roofing materials. A properly installed starter course helps cover the joints at the ends of the first-course shingles and gives their lower edges an adhesive surface. This can help reduce the risk of shingle edges lifting in wind.
Starter shingles also help create a straight, consistent roof edge. Their placement establishes the position of the first full shingle course, which influences the appearance and alignment of the courses above it. When starter material is missing, incorrectly oriented, or poorly aligned, the roof edge may be less uniform and the first course may not seal as intended.
Starter shingles are one part of a complete roofing installation. Their presence alone does not guarantee wind performance or prevent leaks. Results depend on the roof system, correct installation, fastening, ventilation, flashing, weather exposure, and compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable building codes.
Where It Is Installed
Eaves
Eaves are the lower, horizontal edges of a sloped roof. Starter shingles are commonly installed along the eaves beneath the first course of field shingles. The starter’s adhesive strip must be positioned so the overlying shingles can bond to it as designed. The exact orientation and offset should follow the current product instructions.
At eaves, the starter course works alongside the drip edge and underlayment. The correct order and overlap of these components depend on the roof design, local code, and manufacturer guidance. Because edge details are exposed to water and wind, contractors should not assume that one installation sequence suits every roof.
Rakes
Rakes are the sloped edges at the sides of a gable roof. Some roof systems call for starter shingles at rakes as well as eaves; the applicable instructions and project specifications determine whether they are required. A roofer should account for rake-edge starter material when calculating quantities and preparing the roof perimeter.
Not every roof has the same edge conditions. Hips, valleys, dormers, roof-to-wall intersections, and complex transitions require their own details. Starter shingles do not replace the flashing and waterproofing methods needed at those locations.
Potential Benefits Of The CertainTeed Product
- Designed for starter-course use: A purpose-made starter product can simplify installation compared with cutting field shingles into strips, provided the product is used according to its instructions.
- Adhesive at the roof edge: The product’s sealing design is intended to work with the first course above it. Proper placement, temperature, and roof conditions affect sealing.
- Consistent edge preparation: A dedicated starter course can help establish a uniform starting line for the field shingles.
- System compatibility: Using a manufacturer’s specified accessory may help the contractor follow the intended assembly. Compatibility and warranty implications should be verified in current CertainTeed documents.
These are intended functions, not guarantees of a particular service life or wind rating. Performance depends on the complete roof assembly and workmanship. A product name that includes “High Performance” should not be interpreted as proof that every installation qualifies for a specific warranty or wind classification.
Installation Considerations
Installation should follow the current CertainTeed instructions for the exact starter product and the shingles being used. A general overview can help a homeowner understand the process, but it is not a substitute for the manufacturer’s specifications, local code, or a roofing professional’s assessment.
- Prepare the roof edge. The deck should be sound and appropriately prepared, with underlayment and drip-edge details handled according to the project requirements.
- Confirm the layout. The roofer determines the starting point, direction, alignment, and overhang based on the roof geometry and product instructions.
- Position the starter correctly. Starter material is placed so its adhesive strip will contact the intended area of the first shingle course. Reversing or misaligning it can prevent the designed bond.
- Fasten as specified. Fastener type, location, and quantity must match the product instructions and applicable code. Improperly placed nails can interfere with sealing or contribute to failure.
- Install the first course and inspect. The first course should be aligned and installed so the shingles interact correctly with the starter adhesive. The roof edge should be checked before work proceeds across the roof.
Adhesive sealing can be affected by cold weather, dust, moisture, shaded conditions, and the timing of installation. In some circumstances, shingles may need time or suitable temperatures to seal naturally. Any special hand-sealing or cold-weather procedure should come from current manufacturer instructions; improvised adhesives can damage materials or affect warranty coverage.
Planning Quantities And Comparing Prices
Starter shingles are generally sold by the bundle, but the amount of roof edge covered by a bundle depends on the product’s current packaging and the installation layout. Buyers should verify the listed linear footage per bundle on the actual product label or current data sheet. Package details can change, and online listings may refer to an older version.
To estimate the needed quantity, measure the eaves and any rakes where starter is specified, then compare that total with the product’s stated coverage. Add an appropriate allowance for cuts, corners, and layout waste. A contractor’s estimate should identify the product and quantity rather than listing only a generic “starter strip.”
Price comparisons should consider more than the bundle price. Delivery, quantity, availability, color or product compatibility, and any additional accessories can change the total. Starter shingles are typically a small portion of a full roofing project, so substituting an unapproved material to save a small amount may not be worthwhile.
Questions To Ask A Roofing Contractor
- Will CertainTeed High Performance Starter be used, or another starter product? What is the exact product name?
- Will starter be installed along the eaves, rakes, or both?
- How will the starter, underlayment, and drip edge be sequenced at the roof perimeter?
- Will the installation follow the current CertainTeed instructions for the selected shingles and starter?
- Does the estimate include enough material for the measured roof edges and expected waste?
- What documentation supports any claimed warranty or wind-performance benefit?
Clear answers make it easier to compare bids and confirm that the roof assembly is specified consistently. Homeowners can also request the product packaging, technical data sheet, and installation instructions for their records.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Leaving out starter shingles: A field shingle placed directly at the roof edge may not provide the designed starter-course seal or joint coverage. The roof’s specifications should state what is used at the perimeter.
Using the wrong orientation: Starter products are designed with a particular layout and adhesive position. Installing them backward or upside down can undermine their intended function.
Assuming all starter products are interchangeable: Different products may have different dimensions, adhesive placement, coverage, and installation rules. A substitution should be checked against the roofing system requirements.
Ignoring edge components: Starter shingles do not replace drip edge, underlayment, flashing, or proper deck preparation. Each component contributes to the roof’s water-shedding design.
Relying on warranty assumptions: Warranty terms depend on the specific coverage, product combination, installation, and other conditions. Homeowners should review the applicable written warranty rather than infer coverage from the use of one accessory.
How To Verify Product Details
Before purchase or installation, check the product name and packaging against CertainTeed’s current roofing product information. Confirm the intended application, dimensions, coverage per bundle, storage guidance, and installation requirements. If a supplier’s listing conflicts with the manufacturer’s documentation, ask the supplier or CertainTeed to clarify which product version is being offered.
For an existing roof, a visible roof edge may not reveal the exact starter product because it is largely covered by the finished shingles. Installation invoices, contractor records, leftover packaging, or photographs taken during the work may provide better evidence. A roof inspection can assess edge condition, but identifying a hidden product may not be possible without opening the assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CertainTeed High Performance Starter a complete roofing shingle?
No. It is an accessory for the perimeter of a roof, installed beneath the first course of field shingles. It is not intended to cover the main roof area.
Does it go on every edge of the roof?
It is commonly used at eaves, and rake use depends on the manufacturer’s instructions and project requirements. The roof layout and specified system determine the correct locations.
Can a roofer use cut-up shingles instead?
Some roofing instructions may allow alternative starter methods in particular circumstances, while others specify a dedicated starter product. The contractor should follow the current instructions for the selected shingles, applicable code, and warranty conditions.
Does starter material prevent leaks?
It contributes to the roof-edge assembly but is not a stand-alone leak barrier. Leak prevention also depends on underlayment, flashing, roof geometry, workmanship, and maintenance.
Does using it automatically qualify a roof for a CertainTeed warranty?
No accessory alone establishes warranty eligibility. Coverage depends on the particular warranty terms and the requirements for the complete roof system, including installation and product combinations.